Code of Conduct and Ethics for the Mandala of Light Sangha

Introduction

The Mandala of Light Sangha is a global spiritual community dedicated to the transformative power of meditation and compassionate living. Guided by the values of mutual respect, non-judgment, and personal responsibility, we foster a supportive and inclusive environment for spiritual growth.

The following Code of Conduct and Ethics (the "Code") serves as a guide for upholding these values, promoting a mindful community, and ensuring the safety and well-being of all Sangha members. This Code applies to all participants, leaders, teachers, and guests, encouraging everyone to reflect on their conduct and uphold the shared values of the Sangha.

General Conduct

How We Commit to Treating Each Other

We commit to interacting with one another with kindness, compassion, and non-judgment, honoring each individual’s journey. We commit to treating others as we ourselves would wish to be treated, cultivating empathy, understanding, and respect in all interactions.

We acknowledge that personal growth is a journey that unfolds uniquely for each individual. We recognize that everyone has blind spots, lingering patterns, or habits that may arise, even after years of spiritual work. When any member faces challenges or is called to learn from a consequence, we respond with compassion and refrain from judgment, understanding that such experiences are opportunities for deeper healing and self-integration. We encourage all members to approach themselves and others with openness, loving kindness, and a commitment to growth, fostering an environment where everyone feels safe to evolve at their own pace.

Together, we engage in practices that encourage us to see beyond individual perspectives, inviting insight from the collective wisdom of our community. We strive to be a community where everyone has a way/place to feel home and contribute to the best of their abilities in line with our values, vision and mission.

We maintain healthy, respectful relationships with former members of the community, acknowledging the differences and honoring the shared segment of the path.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Mandala of Light Sangha is dedicated to creating a peaceful space that embraces diversity and inclusion where all beings feel respected, and supported. We respect and honor the diversity of all members and guests, embracing differences in background, identity, and experience, including but not limited to culture, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, race, disability, age and political beliefs. We are mindful that individuals may have different experiences and identities and seek to avoid reinforcing societal stereotypes. Members are encouraged to ask for and use appropriate pronouns, practice open-mindedness, and offer compassion and understanding to all.

In fostering a community of mutual respect, we refrain from judging others based on their personal life choices or spiritual practices. Each person’s path is unique, and we honor the diversity of journeys towards enlightenment.

Standards for Leadership

Those in leadership positions, including teachers, mentors, and senior students, bear a significant responsibility to embody the values and teachings of the Mandala of Light Sangha. As trusted guides, they commit to:

• Prioritizing the welfare and spiritual development of all Sangha members, practicing bodhichitta (compassionate mind) in all circumstances.

• Maintaining healthy boundaries, especially when it comes to teacher-student or mentor-mentee relationships. Respecting the kind of support a student or mentee is comfortable with and letting them guide the pace of their own growth. Being there for them and supporting them without pushing them into something they're not ready for and allowing them to develop in their own time.

• Seeking consent before offering feedback or advice, avoiding uninvited guidance or imposed solutions, and focusing on encouragement rather than pressure, with honesty, transparency, and a commitment to supporting personal growth.

• In the context of teacher-student or mentor-mentee relationships refraining from engaging in romantic or intimate relationships where an imbalance of power exists.

• Participating in regular training on ethical behavior, with a focus on preventing and addressing misconduct, and managing complaints with care and transparency.

• Handling all confidential information with the utmost discretion and sensitivity.

• Practicing mindfulness in the use of substances, ensuring that intoxicants are used responsibly, particularly in social settings, and refraining from intoxication at Sangha events.

Relationships and Intimacy

Romantic relationships and intimacy within a spiritual community require special care, especially when power dynamics are involved. As a small and closely-knit Sangha, we hold the following guidelines to ensure that relationships foster mutual respect and personal growth:

• Leaders, teachers, and mentors should not engage in romantic or intimate relationships with those they are directly teaching or guiding. If a mutual interest arises, the teacher or mentor should remove themselves from the position of power before pursuing the relationship.

• In situations where there are imbalanced power dynamics outside of direct teaching or guidance, we kindly request that both individuals share their relationship with the community support team. This ensures transparency and helps maintain an environment of fairness and respect, preventing any unintentional favoritism or misuse of influence.

• All members are expected to respect others’ boundaries and avoid pressuring or coercing anyone into a relationship or social activity. Honor the choices of others with compassion and understanding. If someone declines an invitation or request, accept their decision with grace and without judgment. Respect their boundaries and refrain from extending the same invitation again.

• Dating within the Sangha should be approached with mindfulness, considering the potential impact on the community. Serious intentions and respect for the community’s values should guide any relationships within the Sangha.

• In the event of a separation, both individuals are encouraged to navigate the process with maturity, compassion, and respect, honoring the well-being of their former partner and the harmony of the community.

Prohibited Conduct

The following behaviors are not tolerated within the Mandala of Light Sangha, as they violate the principles of compassion, respect, and personal responsibility:

• All forms of harassment and retaliation, including stalking, bullying, intimidation, or any form of unwelcome or inappropriate behavior, for example sexual misconduct.

• Spreading of malicious gossip and slandering members of the community. We thrive for always giving a chance to everyone to be present when discussing information that might affect their reputation.

• Discrimination, including hate speech or derogatory language directed at an individual or group based on their identity, beliefs, or background.

• Physical or psychological harm, including any actions that may cause trauma or suffering to another person, such as threats, violence or property damage.

• Abuse of power, especially in situations where there is a power imbalance between senior and junior members.

• The misuse of alcohol, drugs, or illegal substances during sangha events or on sangha premises. Members who are facing challenges with substance use are encouraged to seek professional support to promote their well-being and maintain the integrity of the community environment.

Raising Concerns and Reporting Misconduct

All Sangha members share the responsibility of cultivating a safe and supportive community. If you witness or experience conduct that violates this Code, we encourage you to report it to a trusted teacher, mentor, or member of the Sangha Leadership, or to file a formal complaint. Complaints are processed and investigated by our community support team. We are committed to addressing all concerns with care, maintaining confidentiality where possible, and escalating the issue if necessary to protect the safety of the community.

Consequences for Violating the Code

Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in appropriate action, including mediation, counseling, or in more severe or repeated cases of misconduct, exclusion from Sangha events and activities or suspending members from their student tier. In extreme cases the member might be asked to leave the community altogether after thorough consideration from the entire Sangha Org leadership if no other viable solution can be identified.

The Sangha Leadership reserves the right to take any steps necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.

Feedback and Updates

This Code of Conduct is a living document, subject to periodic review and update to reflect the evolving needs of our Sangha. Members will be notified of any changes, and we welcome feedback and suggestions. Please direct any comments or concerns to the designated community support team via email.

By adhering to this Code, we co-create a Sangha that is harmonious, supportive, and committed to the well-being and awakening of all beings.